Weekend Adventure: Motorcycling With "GMA Weekend's" Bill Weir

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America's love for the motorcycle began in 1900 with bicycle racer George M. Hendee. He teamed up with engineering wizard Carl Oscar Hedstrom, and the two soon unveiled their first creation, the 1901 Single. The trade name chosen for their innovative machine would signify "a wholly American product in pioneering tradition," accrording to Indian Motorcyles.

Courtesy Indian Motorcycles

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America's love for the motorcycle began in 1900 with bicycle racer George M. Hendee. He teamed up with engineering wizard Carl Oscar Hedstrom, and the two soon unveiled their first creation, the 1901 Single. The trade name chosen for their innovative machine would signify "a wholly American product in pioneering tradition," accrording to Indian Motorcyles.

Courtesy Indian Motorcycles

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Motorcycle racing was a major sport in the early 1920s, comparable to the popularity of football today. Winners took home trophies and titles, and the factory they represented won sales and bragging rights. Race titles affected motorcycle sales tremendously. Here, a motorcycle race in Birmingham, Ala., circa 1920.

Courtesy OV Hunt

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As the glory days of American board track motorcycle racing faded, American motorcycle manufacturers looked skyward. Hill-climbing became the new venue for America's big three manufacturers: Indian, Harley-Davidson and Excelsior. Board track racing is competition on oval race courses with wooden surfaces.

Courtesy Indian Motorcycles

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Inspired by the pin-up girl images used on planes during WWII, a limited edition 2010 Chief Bomber model is now out. The leather used on the seat and side saddlebags is reminiscent of a worn bomber jacket.

Courtesy Indian Motorcycles

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The 2010 Indian Chief motorcycles strike a perfect balance between their legendary heritage and the style and performance a rider demands today in a quality machine.

Courtesy Indian Motorcycles

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"Good Morning America Weekend" anchor Bill Weir and Chris Bernauer, general manager for Indian Motorcycles, take a rest along The Dragon. There aren't many pull-offs available on this narrow road, so it was a relief to find one.

Courtesy Indian Motorcycles

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The Dragon is marked by 318 hairpin curves in an 11-mile stretch, starting in North Carolina and ending in Tennessee. There have been 25 riders killed on The Dragon in the past decade. "GMAW's" Bill Weir leads the pack of Indian motorcyclists -- with caution.

Courtesy Indian Motorcycles

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Approximately nine miles into The Dragon, Bill Weir and his Indian motorcycle friends enjoy the scenery at the Calderwood Dam overlook. This area is one of the most popular lookout points for fellow cruisers to gather from around the world.